In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1840
From History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881)
THOMAS J. POWELL. The subject of this sketch was born in Lafa3'ette county, in 1840. Has been a continuous resident of this county since his birth, obtaining as liberal an education in the meantime, as the limited school facilities of the county in that day would permit. At the present time he is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1859, to Miss Dorinda Hatton, of Johnson county. Thirteen children have been born to them, ten of whom are now living. Mr. Powell enlisted in 1862, in the enrolled Mo. milita, under Capt. Summers. He served eighteen months. He is the son of Richard Powell, who was the first settler of Washington township. Is an active member of the Christian church. His P. O. is Lexington.
As printed in History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Richard Powell (b. 1859)
Their biographies name Thomas J. Powell: Joseph P. Powell (b. 1867) David J. Powell (b. 1866)
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.